posted 07-02-2013 01:14 PM ET (US)        

---

FURUNO has introduced a networked fish finder employing pulse compression (often called chirp) technology, designated model DFF-1 UHD. A four-minute presentation available on YouTube at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_xUa5z8sjE& feature=player_embedded#at=193

demonstrates the unit and explains its many enhancements over monotone pulse sounders. See the Furuno USA website for more details:

http://www.furunousa.com/products/productdetail.aspx?product=DFF1-UHD& category=Products+%3a+Depth+%26+Fish+Finders+%3a+NavNet+Fish+Finders

The MSRP is $2,200. That price is just for the black-box SONAR unit; one must also buy an appropriate transducer. The SONAR is designed to work with the AIRMAR B265LH transducer, which typically retails for about $1,500. And, of course, you need a network multi-function display like the NavNET 3D to use this fish finder. The least expensive model is the MFD8 at $3,600. This makes the cost of a fish finder using this technology about $7,300, and that is probably out of the price range for a fish finder on a small boat. However, it is always interesting to see the best of new technology.